Feds approve NCLB waiver for Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s request for waivers from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act has been approved.

The US Department of Education has approved the state’s reform plan, which will exempt Wisconsin from aspects of the federal law that many have criticized for being too difficult for schools to comply with.

The state’s plan will focus on improving academic standards, instructional practices and assessments, while also changing how school progress is assessed and reported. State Superintendent Tony Evers says it will recognize schools that are doing well at educating students and closing achievement gaps, while also providing support to help those that are falling behind.

The state will now begin to implement reforms, which have been under development for over a year.